KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) - Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves yesterday categorically denied raping a female police officer, saying it is an attempt by his political adversaries "to damage me politically and to discredit me in the eyes of the people".

On Thursday, a 36-year-old woman police constable swore to a statement before Chief Magistrate Sonia Young that on January 3 she was raped by Gonsalves at the prime minister's official residence.
"I categorically deny these allegations. They are false and malicious. I am wholly innocent of them," Gonsalves told a news conference where he was flanked by his wife Eloise, cabinet ministers and his legal team.

Gonsalves said that a letter concerning the matter dated January 26 had been sent to the commissioner of police, Keith Miller, by his accuser's lawyers and quoted what he said was an excerpt from the commissioner's response.

"I regret to state that I have found the tone of your letter to be extremely negative, because you have practically accused me of having done nothing about the matter ... however, I had the matter investigated and those investigations did not reveal any evidence of wrong-doing by the Hon Prime Minister.

"As you and your colleagues are aware, the police do not arrest or charge any person for an alleged criminal offence, unless the police are satisfied that there is enough creditable evidence to establish guilt," the letter said.

But the commissioner promised that if credible evidence is produced, "the police would carry out the duties which the law requires of us".
Gonsalves said that he has given a statement to the police on the matter, in which he denied the allegation.

Gonsalves told reporters that the police woman had been detailed as a Special Service Unit (SSU) officer at his official residence and that "at the material time on the day in question in her SSU uniform (she was) armed with an M-16 assault rifle in her hand".

Gonsalves said that he is confident of defending "all the conspiracies and plots against me".

"Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Vincentians, my Caribbean brothers and sisters, I tell you honestly that I am innocent of these charges. In the fullness of time, all the conspiracies and plots against me will be revealed," he said.

"In the meantime, however, I shall defend myself resolutely. Those who dabble in political manipulation or are in quest, ignobly, for my political head will not succeed. I shall not give in to the politics of personal destruction which is enveloping this country and this region," he said.

He called for the support of Vincentians and vowed to continue his work schedule both at home and abroad.

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